If you’re looking for a delicious, nostalgic dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a festive flair, the Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful salad perfectly balances the tangy sweetness of Jell-O and cranberry sauce with the smooth richness of cream cheese and the satisfying crunch of pecans. It’s bright, refreshing, and wonderfully textured—a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family meal, this Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role—colorful Jell-O for a vibrant base, juicy pineapple and tart cranberry sauce for fruity depth, and pecans for a delightful crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
- Cherry Jell-O (2 packages, 3 ounces each): Provides a bright, flavorful foundation that sets the tone for the salad.
- Boiling water (1 ½ cups): The key to dissolving the Jell-O completely and activating its jelly texture.
- Crushed pineapple (20 ounces, with juice): Adds natural sweetness and a juicy, tropical contrast to the tartness.
- Whole cranberry sauce (15 ounces or homemade, about 2 cups): Brings that iconic cranberry tang and richness to the mix.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup, divided): Gives a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the creamy topping.
- Cranberry or apple juice (¾ cup): Boosts the fruity flavor and helps balance the salad’s consistency.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates a luscious, smooth topping that mellows the tartness of the Jell-O.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese topping without graininess.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds creaminess and a slight tang, enhancing the salad’s richness.
How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Jello Base
Start by dissolving the two packets of cherry Jell-O in 1 ½ cups of boiling water. Stir briskly until every granule is fully dissolved—this ensures a smooth, firm jelly texture. This step is critical because a well-dissolved Jell-O base sets the stage for the whole salad.
Step 2: Add Fruit and Nuts
Next, stir in the crushed pineapple along with its juice and the whole cranberry sauce. Use the back of a spoon to gently break apart any large chunks of cranberry sauce so it blends evenly throughout the mixture. Then, add ¾ cup of the chopped pecans along with the cranberry or apple juice. This mixture is bursting with natural sweetness and tartness, providing a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Set the Jello
Carefully pour the combined mixture into a 9×13-inch glass dish or your favorite Jello mold. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 2 hours or until it’s fully set. This is the moment where all those flavors marry together into a firm, colorful base.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Topping
While waiting for the base to set, prepare the creamy topping by beating the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on high speed until it becomes smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and sour cream, blending again until the mixture is completely combined. This topping gives the salad a velvety texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the tangy base perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Once the Jell-O base is set firmly, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the surface. Then, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans on top to add an appealing crunch and a beautiful finishing touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! This salad tastes best chilled, offering a refreshing blend of fruity, creamy, and nutty flavors with every bite. It’s ideal for holiday dinners, potlucks, or just a simple treat to brighten your day.
How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cranberry Jello Salad even more eye-catching, consider garnishing with fresh cranberries or a few extra pecan halves around the edges. A sprig of fresh mint adds a wonderful pop of green and a refreshing aroma that perfectly complements the fruity flavors.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham, making it a popular choice during holiday meals. It also balances well alongside simple sandwiches or a green salad for a lighter lunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving your Cranberry Jello Salad in individual clear glasses or colorful ramekins to show off the beautiful layered texture. Alternatively, use festive molds to create themed shapes for special occasions—the possibilities to impress your guests are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and creamy texture. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to re-incorporate the cream cheese topping.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe because freezing can cause the Jello to lose its texture and the cream cheese topping to separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold, so reheating is not advised. Keeping it chilled maintains the best flavor and texture experience for every bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
Absolutely! While cherry or cranberry flavors are traditional and complement the cranberries well, raspberry or even strawberry Jell-O can be exciting alternatives that bring their unique twist to the salad without overpowering it.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as long as you use a gelatin-free or vegetarian Jell-O alternative, since traditional gelatin is derived from animals.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
If you want a lighter version, you can replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a whipped topping, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Cream cheese provides the richest, creamiest finish.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
It’s best to prepare this salad a few hours ahead or even the night before your event. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and chilling it ensures a firm set and refreshing taste.
Can I add other nuts or fruits?
Definitely! While pecans are traditional, chopped walnuts or almonds work well too. Feel free to experiment by adding raisins or chopped apples for extra texture and flavor variety—you can make this recipe your own.
Final Thoughts
The Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe is a timeless gem that never fails to brighten up any meal with its festive colors and delightful flavors. It’s simple to make, wonderfully versatile, and brings so much joy to the table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite for you and your loved ones. Happy cooking and even happier tasting!
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Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Cranberry Jello Salad combines the tartness of cranberry and cherry Jell-O with sweet crushed pineapple, whole cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans, all topped with a creamy blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream. Perfectly chilled and set, this salad offers a delightful mix of fruity, creamy, and nutty flavors and textures, making it a refreshing and festive dish for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a nostalgic, sweet salad.
Ingredients
Jello Base
- 2 (3-ounce) packages cherry Jell-O (or raspberry or cranberry)
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
Fruit and Nuts
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce (or 2 cups homemade cranberry sauce)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
- ¾ cup cranberry or apple juice
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Jello Base: In a large bowl, dissolve both packets of cherry Jell-O in 1 ½ cups of boiling water, stirring continuously until fully dissolved to create a smooth gelatin base.
- Add Fruit and Nuts: Stir in 20 ounces of crushed pineapple with its juice and a 15-ounce can of whole cranberry sauce. Break up any large chunks of cranberry sauce with the back of a spoon. Add ¾ cup of the chopped pecans and ¾ cup of cranberry or apple juice, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Set the Jello: Pour the gelatin mixture carefully into a 9×13-inch glass dish or a suitable Jello mold. Place it in the refrigerator and chill for about 2 hours, or until the mixture is fully set and firm to the touch.
- Make the Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 cup sour cream, blending until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
- Assemble the Salad: Once the Jello base has set, evenly spread the cream cheese topping over the entire surface. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans over the top as a garnish for added texture and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Cranberry Jello Salad chilled for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy the delightful combination of fruity gelatin, creamy topping, and crunchy nuts in every bite.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the topping.
- For a firmer set, refrigerate the salad longer than 2 hours if needed.
- You can substitute cranberry juice with apple juice depending on preferred sweetness.
- Homemade cranberry sauce can be used in place of canned for fresher flavor.
- This salad is best served cold and eaten within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
